Jiangsu is a province known for its gentle landscapes, lakeside breezes and an elegant tea culture shaped by centuries of refinement. Although not a large tea-producing region, Jiangsu is home to one of China’s most celebrated green teas. The area’s mild climate and fertile hillsides contribute to teas that are delicate, sweet and beautifully aromatic.
Jiangsu: Lakes, Hills and Soft Spring Climate
Located along China’s eastern coastline, Jiangsu features a mix of rolling hills, rivers and freshwater lakes that create ideal conditions for early spring teas. Its temperate climate, with cool nights and warm, humid days, supports slow bud development and the growth of fine, tender leaves.
The province’s most important tea area lies around Lake Tai (Taihu), where moisture-rich air and mineralised soil help produce teas with gentle fragrance and natural sweetness.Tea Culture and Heritage in Jiangsu
Jiangsu’s tea history is closely connected to Chinese scholarly culture. Poets and scholars praised the region for its subtle, refined teas, often enjoyed during spring as part of seasonal traditions. Manual harvesting and traditional hand-processing remain central to Jiangsu’s tea craftsmanship, with emphasis on preserving freshness, aroma and leaf integrity.
Although Jiangsu produces tea in smaller quantities, its teas have played important roles in classical literature, imperial tribute traditions and regional identity.Dongting: Birthplace of Pi Lo Chun
The most important tea-producing area in Jiangsu is Dongting, a scenic region on the eastern and western sides of Lake Tai. Dongting is the birthplace of Pi Lo Chun (Bi Luo Chun), one of China’s Ten Famous Teas. The region’s steep slopes are planted with tea bushes interspersed among fruit trees, allowing the leaves to absorb subtle floral and fruity notes from the surrounding orchard blossoms.
At Hey China, we offer Dongting Mountains Pi Lo Chun (Bi Luo Chun) 2025, known for its tightly curled, down-covered buds, fresh aroma and lightly sweet, lingering taste. Pi Lo Chun is traditionally harvested very early in spring and crafted using delicate pan-frying techniques to preserve its tender structure and refreshing character.Other Teas from Jiangsu
While Pi Lo Chun is the region’s star, Jiangsu also produces small quantities of other green teas in its hillside areas. These teas are typically gentle, mild and crafted for freshness, reflecting the province’s calm, lakeside environment. However, none hold the historical prestige or widespread recognition of Dongting Pi Lo Chun, which remains Jiangsu’s defining tea.
Jiangsu’s Signature Tea Style
Jiangsu is primarily known for one major category:
- Green Tea: elegant, crisp, lightly sweet and highly aromatic, led by Pi Lo Chun as its flagship variety
This regional focus has allowed Dongting to refine one of China’s most delicate and beloved spring teas.
